White on White

How different the tone of these two photos just from the direction the camera was pointed, how much was included in the overall image, and the shift in the shape of my mouth.  The clowns with their paint, the angle of the camera, the reflection all pointed out for me how little I sometimes understand, despite my best intentions and efforts, in going about my day and interrelating with others.  Today I went to visit a friend who is in the intensive care unit.  She has been struggling with severe illness for many years.  Though she cannot really speak at present, I thought she was trying to reveal something of great moment.  Not knowing how to react or what to say, I held her hand and told her I loved her.  As I was leaving, I told her husband what I had observed (carefully not saying what I thought, which is hard for me).  Later in the day, thinking of the limits and perils of common speech, I composed this found photograph, wishing for more insight, more clarity, and more power to help, but knowing that love was all I could offer.